When dinner calls for a burst of bold flavor and a touch of culinary adventure, few dishes answer the call as irresistibly as red cheese enchiladas. Wrapped in tender corn tortillas and bathed in a vibrant, smoky red sauce, these enchiladas are more than just a meal-they’re an experience that awakens the senses and adds a fiery twist to your dinner table. In this article, we’ll explore the enchanting allure of red cheese enchiladas: their rich history, the magic behind their signature sauce, and tips to perfect this beloved Mexican classic in your own kitchen. Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s as comforting as it is indeed captivating.
Spice Up Dinner with the irresistible charm of red cheese enchiladas by embracing their bold, layered flavors and luscious textures. This beloved mexican classic owes its unforgettable taste to a meticulously crafted red sauce that combines smoky chilies, fragrant spices, and a hint of earthiness, enveloping tender corn tortillas filled with melting, gooey cheese. Each bite is a celebration of tradition and comfort, making it a perfect choice to gather friends and family around the table.
Prep and Cook Time
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Yield
serves 6 hearty portions
Difficulty level
Medium – approachable for confident home cooks ready to explore authentic flavors
Ingredients
- for the red Sauce:
- 5 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 small white onion, quartered
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas, warmed
- 3 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup finely diced white onion, for garnish
- Sour cream, avocado slices, and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Chilies: Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant but not burned. Transfer to a bowl, cover with hot water, and let soak for 15 minutes until softened.
- Sauté Aromatics: While chilies soak, heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the quartered onion and garlic cloves, sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Sauce: Drain the chilies and add them to a blender with the sautéed onion and garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, tomato paste, and 1 cup of the chicken broth.blend until smooth.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Add the remaining chicken broth and simmer for 20-25 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded Oaxaca and cheddar cheeses. Set aside.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Lightly dip each warm tortilla into the hot red sauce to soften it. Place a generous handful of cheese in the center, roll it tightly, and arrange seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining red sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle with any leftover cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Bake enchiladas uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped cilantro and diced onions. Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh lime wedges for a vibrant finish.
Tips for Success
- Soften tortillas: Heat tortillas just enough to make them pliable; too dry and they’ll crack when rolled.
- Customize your heat: Add a chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for an extra smoky kick.
- Cheese melting: Use cheeses with good melting properties like Oaxaca or mozzarella for that perfect gooey texture.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the red sauce and shredded cheese a day before to save time while assembling.
- Stock swap: For vegetarian versions, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth without sacrificing depth.
Serving Suggestions
Present these red cheese enchiladas with vibrant sides to complete the meal experience. A crisp Mexican red rice or charred street corn salad complements the rich sauce perfectly. For drinks, opt for an icy margarita, freshly brewed horchata, or a light Mexican lager to balance the bold flavors. Garnish plates with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of cooling sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for that extra burst of freshness. A small bowl of pickled jalapeños adds a delightful punch for spice lovers.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
Photo: A close-up of red cheese enchiladas bubbling with melted cheese and accented by fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
For more on authentic Mexican sauces, check out Serious Eats’ guide to guajillo Chili Sauce, an excellent external resource to deepen your understanding of chili peppers and sauce making.
Q&A
Q&A: Spice Up Dinner – The Irresistible Charm of Red Cheese Enchiladas
Q1: What makes red cheese enchiladas stand out from other Mexican dishes?
A1: red cheese enchiladas combine the boldness of a rich, slightly smoky red chili sauce with the creamy, melty goodness of cheese wrapped snugly in tender corn tortillas. Their perfect balance between spicy, savory, and comforting flavors turns a simple dinner into a fiesta of taste and texture.
Q2: What exactly is the “red” in red cheese enchiladas?
A2: The “red” refers to the enchilada sauce-a vibrant blend of roasted dried chilies (like ancho or guajillo), tomatoes, garlic, and spices. This sauce isn’t just a splash of color; it’s the soul of the dish, delivering warmth and complexity that awakens every bite.
Q3: Is it challenging to make homemade red cheese enchiladas?
A3: Not at all! While the sauce might seem intimidating at first,roasting dried chilies and blending them into a luscious sauce is simpler than it looks and absolutely worth the effort. Plus, assembling enchiladas is a fun, hands-on process perfect for cooking lovers and kitchen novices alike.
Q4: Can I customize the cheese in red cheese enchiladas?
A4: Definitely. Customary recipes frequently enough use a melty cheese like Oaxaca or Monterey Jack for that gooey texture. But feel free to get creative with quesadilla-cheese blends, mozzarella, or even cotija sprinkled on top. Each choice adds its own charm to the dish.
Q5: What sides best complement red cheese enchiladas?
A5: Think fresh and bright to balance the richness-classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp citrusy slaw all do the trick.A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado can cool and enhance those spicy undertones.Q6: Why are red cheese enchiladas a perfect dish for spicing up weeknight dinners?
A6: They bring bold flavors without complicated steps, making them both exciting and accessible. Plus, they reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers that taste as vibrant as freshly made. It’s the ideal comfort food that adds a little spark to your dinner routine.
Q7: Any tips to make my red cheese enchiladas irresistibly flavorful?
A7: Toast your dried chilies for a deeper flavor, don’t skimp on the cheese for that perfect melt, and let the assembled enchiladas bake just long enough for the sauce to thicken and the cheese to bubble golden. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving adds a bright finishing touch!
Red cheese enchiladas aren’t just a meal-they’re an invitation to enjoy bold flavors, cozy textures, and a touch of fiery magic on your dinner table. Ready to spice things up? Your next unforgettable dinner awaits!
To Conclude
Whether you’re a seasoned spice lover or just beginning to explore bold flavors, red cheese enchiladas offer a deliciously vibrant way to transform any dinner into a festive occasion. Their tantalizing blend of smoky, spicy sauce and creamy, melted cheese creates a harmony that’s hard to resist. So next time you’re looking to spice up your meal routine,remember the irresistible charm of red cheese enchiladas-a dish where tradition meets zest,and every bite tells a flavorful story worth savoring.
